Synopsis

James Cape has been in love with his mother’s best friend Laurie since James was sixteen and Laurie an inaccessible twenty-six. When he’s turned down flat by the older man just after his nineteenth birthday, James’s best friend Al encourages him to forget Laurie and find someone else. And James tries, he really does. But can he cope with his feelings for Laurie, his best friend’s home-life problems, and the deteriorating health of his father, all at the same time? And will Laurie ever notice the young man who’s right in front of him?

Carra's Review

One Plus One takes the brother’s best friend trope to somewhere different…like, to mother’s best friend instead. And no, that’s not as odd as it might sound. Yes, there’s an age gap, but it’s only ten years and James’ mother was young when she had him so don’t let the age differences throw you off. What you will find though is a lot of frustration and pining, enough to fill at least three-quarters of the book…so if you’re a fan of extremely slow burn, unresolved sexual and other tension, then this book will be just what you’re looking for.

To fall for someone and just KNOW they’re the one, but then never have that feeling returned…and then get turned down not just once, but twice at different times of your life by that same someone…poor James, I just felt so bad for him. He’s a sweet guy, not one for a one-night stand and just cannot change how he feels no matter who he tries to date or how much time passes. Laurie just does not show any interest at all, seeming to only see James like a little brother.

I LOVED James’ best friend Al. He’s supportive of James, and not just in a “I’m here for you” way. While fulfilling a physical need for them both, Al is a shoulder to lean on for James throughout James’ pursuit of Laurie.

I’ll admit, the length of time that James’ unrequited love for Laurie goes on was a bit frustrating to me as a reader. I was half expecting that everything for them would never come to pass, and that there might be a surprise instead with Al. But that did keep me on my toes, particularly near the end of the story.

This is the second book of the series, and could easily be read as a standalone…though after reading the blurb for the first book, I’m definitely going back to read that one since Al is involved. As for One Plus One, this story is getting 4 stars from me…and I’d recommend it fans of M/M romance who like the so-and-so’s best friend and best friends with benefits themes. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content (very HOT content indeed!).

Meet the Author

P.A. Friday fails dismally to write one sort of thing and, when not writing erotica and erotic romance of all sexualities, may be found writing articles on the Regency period, pagan poetry, or science fiction. She loves wine and red peppers, and loathes coffee and mushrooms.

Charles thrives off the exchange of power. He knows the world revolves around control. It’s given and taken like currency, in business and in pleasure. He won’t get attached, though, or so he tells himself, until James turns his world upside down. He’s defiant and snarky, but Charles can taste the submission on him.

Charles holds the key to his salvation but James has to Say Yes.

What are other authors saying about Say Yes?

Author Kerry Heavens says: “Yes - to the delicious slow burn which goes head to head with an intense urgency. Yes - to James' soft vulnerability that meets its match in Charles' steely determination. Yes - to the forbidden vs the shameless. Yes - to more...I'm saying YES!”

Excerpt

He took another few breaths then walked back toward the changing rooms. “Let me know if there is anything else you need.” James was proud of how even his voice sounded. He would get Charles out of here and then go home to gay porn and cold showers. He had three more years at least, and he had to find a few ounces of self-control to make it through.

“I could use some help.”

“Sure.” James put a smile on his face and came around the corner again to find Charles leaning back against the mirrors with the dress shirt he wore unbuttoned, showing off his cut chest. James followed it down to where Charles gripped himself through his slacks.

“Want to help?”

James swallowed hard.

Carra's Review

I love a story where the push and pull between the main characters is center stage, and Say Yes was exactly right for this. James and Charles played so well off of each other, and I thought their interactions were a bit fun and a bit naughty; they captured my attention from their first meeting and didn’t let go. James was a bit bratty without overdoing it, and Charles handles him perfectly…they truly complemented each other.

Interwoven with the naughty is the conflict James feels thanks to his upbringing—an upbringing with which he became disillusioned and can’t believe in anymore, yet still nags at him in the back of his mind. This along with the development of his and Charles’ relationship allows for a full story even though it’s not a long one, though I would have liked to have found out more about Charles’ character to see where he came from and how he got where he was.

James and Charles together physically were hot and sexy, though the BDSM aspect was actually lighter than what I expected…just enough to get a taste without overtaking the intimate scenes.

The only other character that has more than a minor appearance is James’ mother. Yeah, I didn’t care for that woman at all—she’s one of those characters where I want to just give her a VERY big piece of my mind, and I was glad to see how how James’ attitude with her changed as his relationship with Charles progressed.

I’m giving Say Yes a solid 4 stars, and my only lament is that it’s not a longer book…I think there’s plenty to work with to be able to extend this into an even more full story—I’d be really happy with more of James and Charles! This story is meant for readers 18+ only for adult language and sexual content.

Author Bio:

When not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.

What would happen if terrorism spread and hate took over? What would the world become?

Isabella (Belle) Grey trained her entire adult life to protect those around her––training that would prove invaluable in her quest to make a new life. Forced to live in an impossible world, terror was not only outside the walls of her protected community but also raged behind the walls of her very own home.

No longer willing to put up with her husband’s drunken abuse, Belle made the desperate decision to run away from the safety of her community and escaped alone into the broken world beyond.

Chased by death as bombs exploded in the distance, her next decision could not only save her life but could potentially bring light back into her darkened soul.

When faced with the impossible, Belle found strength in an unsuspecting stranger who set her path in a new direction––one she never considered.

Fear. Love. Revenge. Strength ... all come together in this epic tale of fate and survival.

S.P Cervantes is a young adult and adult contemporary romance author, who after writing short stories in middle school, followed that dream until taking the plunge, penning her popular Romance/Fantasy series Secrets of Shadow Hill. This was the turning point in her career. Followed up by her contemporary romance stand alone series, A Broken Fairy Tale, and the stand alone romance, The Wife, S.P. has earned the praise of readers and received excellent reviews as well as reaching Kindle’s paid Best Seller list for her Broken Fairy Tale anthology.

S.P. Cervantes graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California

State University Fullerton, and has a Master’s Degree in Education. She lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, reading, and running, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.

Kyle Vaughn had three goals in life: become a vet, find the man of his dreams, and start a family. He easily checked off the first item on the list when he took over his grandfather’s veterinary practice. Too bad he wasn’t as lucky in love.

Chaz Hamilton took a leap of faith when he decided to pursue a career in writing, but one best seller didn’t mean he could quit his day job. All work and no play threatened to make Chaz a very dull man when the only romantic action he saw was in the pages of his manuscript. Too bad he couldn’t write his own happily every after.

Circumstances pushed the two men together, and one magical kiss beneath fireworks and stars changed everything. Kyle knew his luck had finally turned around and Chaz found a man far better than any book boyfriend ever written. There was just one problem. Chaz has kept a secret from Kyle that could ruin their chance at a beautiful life together.

Kyle and Chaz learn that the best-laid plans often go awry, the heart has a mind of its own, and the greatest love is unscripted.

The books in the Road to Blissville series can be read either as standalone books or as part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 and older.

I spun around and faced Jenny Davis who operated the Carter County Animal Shelter. “That’s what he said,” I replied, jerking my thumb in Chaz’s direction without thinking my actions through. Chaz gasped, Josh threw his head back and laughed in delight, and I’m pretty sure that Andy growled. I chanced a peek at Chaz’s and caught him staring at me with a dumbfounded expression on his face. How much more obvious did I need to be that I wanted to see where things could go between us?“Is this a bad time?” she asked nervously. “I’d like to ask a favor of you.” My staff and I volunteered ten to fifteen hours a week treating the dogs and cats at her shelter. The last time I was there, she mentioned that she needed to raise money for the shelter. I figured that she wanted to discuss a fundraiser with me.“Not at all, Jenny. Josh will be delayed a few minutes, so I have time now.”“Well, it’s a big favor,” she said hesitantly. “Remember how I mentioned a fundraiser to you?”“Sure and I’ll help out however I can,” I told her.“I’m so glad you feel that way because you play a big part in what I have in mind.” She clapped her hands and bounced on her feet. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner,” she said to herself.“How big?” I asked, narrowing my eyes as an uneasy feeling came over me.That feeling only increased when she broke eye contact and looked down at her feet. “We’d like to do a calendar with the animals at the shelter. One of my staff is an amateur photographer and is willing to donate the time to take and edit the photos.”“So you’re looking for donations to cover the cost of producing the calendars? I’ll gladly help out with that,” I told her. Jenny didn’t meet my offer with as much enthusiasm as I expected.“Not exactly the kind of help I was looking for from you,” she said.“No? How else can I be of service to you?” I asked, clearly confused. I provided free veterinarian services and offered to…“She wants you to pose for the calendar,” Chaz said, interrupting my thoughts.I looked over at him and rolled my eyes. “No, she doesn’t.”“Oh, I think that’s exactly what she’s working her courage up to ask,” Chaz told me. “Isn’t that right, Jenny?”I looked at Jenny, expecting her to brush off his idea, but all I saw was a hopeful gleam in her green eyes. “Me?” I asked in disbelief.“Why not you?” Jenny asked, seemingly emboldened when I didn’t refuse the idea outright. “You’re gorgeous, built like a brick house, and adore animals. Who else would I ask?”“I don’t know, Jenny,” I said hesitantly. “I’m not very photogenic.”“Stop being so modest,” Jenny told me. “You’re exactly what we need. I can see it now…” Her voice trailed off while she envisioned something in her mind. “Shirtless poses with a kitty, cowboy hat and boots while standing beside a horse…”“I’d be wearing more than just a pair of boots and a hat, right?” I asked, needing clarification before the conversation went any further.“Dr. Vaughn!” Jenny’s said in shock. “Why, I’d never suggest such a thing.” Then she covered her mouth with both hands and giggled nervously. “Oh my,” she answered, fanning herself. “That’s not at what I meant at all. Dear me, I meant my offer as a compliment, Dr. Vaughn. I thought your love for animals combined with your hunky looks would make a great fundraiser.”“It would probably sell a lot of calendars,” Chaz said, chiming in.I looked over at him and caught him staring at me speculatively. “But would you buy a calendar?” I asked.“Duh,” Chaz said, then added, “it’s for charity.”

Carra's Review

After reading Unscripted Love, I'm sitting here wondering why I haven't read this author before, because it seems that I've been truly missing out on some great stories. For the record, that means I have not read the Curl Up and Dye series, so I had no background on any of the characters except what was imparted in this book. That said, I had no problem following along with the story even without that background...so yes, this can be read as a standalone (but you can be darn sure I'll be going back to read the other series!).

I thought this story was sweet and funny, and I had a smile on my face most of the time while I was reading it. I loved the characters, and Kyle and Chaz fit together really well with great chemistry between them. I got a kick out of Chaz and the way he'd just blurt things out. And I normally don't pick favorites in a couple, but Kyle...he just captured my heart right away.

Unscripted Love was a really good story, and my initial impression is a strong 4 stars. After I go back and read the Curl Up and Dye series, I'm definitely revisiting this one for a re-read!

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I'm a girly tomboy

who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

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